Apparatus for identifying and measuring volume fraction constituents of a fluid

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for identifying and measuring volume fraction constituents of a fluid using time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis to identify individual volume fraction constituents within a pipe on a real time basis and to measure the volume of the individual volume fraction constituents flowing through the pipe on a real time basis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus for identifying and determiningrelative proportions of intermixed volume fraction constituents of afluid using reflected electrical signals and resonance points.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current practice in the oil and gas and petroleum chemical/fuelindustry for identifying measuring quantities of oil, water, natural gasand other components being produced by a given well, or group of wells,to separate the produced components in a separator and to identify andmeasure the produced components individually. The separators aretypically large, expensive, maintenance intensive and typically provideproduction information only after long intervals during which thecomponents separate under the influence of gravity.

Similarly, when a well is being drilled, drilling fluids (“drillingmud”), which one typically complex mixtures of synthetic and organiccompounds which are expensive and proprietary in nature, areregurgitated from the wellbore being drilled. The drilling mud is usedto lubricate the cutter head, and also to evacuate “cuttings” and rockchips and the like from the wellbore. Further, the drilling mud sealsand stabilizes the circumferential walls of the wellbore to preventleakage, collapse and the like. The fluids which are regurgitated fromthe wellbore are typically transferred to a settling pond for the solidsto “settle out” and thereafter the fluids are transferred to a separatorto identify and measure the individual components which may thereafterbe reused in the drilling process.

To address the drawbacks of separators, composition meters have beendeveloped to continuously measure volume fractions of natural gas, waterand oil being produced. When such a composition meter is combined with aflow meter, production rates for the various components may also becalculated. Known composition meters use measurement of dielectricconstant, in combination with a density measurement, to determine thevolume fractions.

For known composition meters to be consistently accurate, all thedielectric constants and all the densities of the individual producedfluid components must be known for every measurement condition(temperature and pressure). Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible toaccomplish because all the conditions are continually varying andchanging as the well is drilled and as the oil well, or group of oilwells, produce. Accuracy of the measurements is further complicated byseveral of the lower density hydrocarbon components (for example but notlimited to, ethane, propane, butane and pentane) existing in either aliquid state or a gaseous state at pressures between approximately 20and 250 atmospheres. Further, the produced components are typically atvery high temperatures and as a result, produced water boils off intosteam within the pipes causing identification and measurements ofgaseous components to be particularly difficult because the dielectricconstant of steam is very close to the dielectric constants of the lowerdensity hydrocarbon components.

Prior art publications claim it is “impossible” to accurately identifyand measure the volume fractions of oil, water, and natural gas withoutknowing how much of each hydrocarbon constituent is in the liquid orgaseous phase at any given time.

Another important measurement problem in the oil and hydrocarbonproduction industry is the accurate measurement of water content. Watercontent directly affects the price paid for the product. Various devicesare available to continuously measure water content, and most suchdevices are capacitance meters which measure the dielectric constant ofthe oil/water mixture to determine the water content. Unfortunately,such devices, which are known in the industry as “water cut meters” arenot continuously accurate because the temperature, density anddielectric constant of the oil/water mixture ail change as measurementconditions change, which results in measurement errors.

A further complicating factor in measuring volume fraction constituentsof mixtures of produced oil and water and natural gas is the saltcontent of the mixture. The salt also affects the dielectric constant ofthe fluid components. Similarly, lubricants within the drilling mud andproprietary lubricating drilling fluids may further affect thedielectric constants of the components which may make accurateidentification and measurements difficult.

Our apparatus for identifying and measuring volume fraction constituentsof a fluid overcomes various of the drawbacks of known volume fractionconstituent identifying and measuring apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for identifyingand measuring volume fraction constituents of a fluid, comprising asource of fluid with a known temperature, and having a volume fractionconstituent, and wherein the volume fraction constituent has apreviously calculated and known dielectric constant and a previouslycalculated and known resonance points, and wherein information about thepreviously calculated, and known dielectric constant and resonancepoints is stored in and is accessible from a database; a probe exposed,at least in part, to the fluid, and wherein the probe has a knownlength; an electrical pulse emitter which electronically generates aelectrical pulse which is delivered to the probe, and which travels theknown length of the probe and which generates an electrical pulsereflection; an electrical pulse sampler which electronicallycommunicates with the probe and which further receives and senses theelectrical pulse reflection generated by electrical pulse within theprobe; a computer electronically coupled with the probe, the electricalpulse emitter, the electrical pulse sampler, and the database, andwherein the computer determines a time period between the electricalpulse emission into the probe and the receipt of the sensed electricalpulse reflection, and wherein the resonance points of the volumefraction constituent is calculated by the computer from the time periodwhich is determined, and wherein the computer further correlates thedetermined time period to the previously calculated, and knowndielectric constant and previously calculated and known resonance pointsof the volume fraction constituent as provided in the database so as toidentify the volume fraction constituent in the fluid and determine avolume of the volume fraction constituent in the fluid; and a userinterface electronically coupled with the computer, and which furthergenerates a user perceivable output which identifies the volume fractionconstituent of the volume of the volume fraction constituent.

A second aspect of the present invention is wherein the volume fractionconstituent is selected from the group consisting of petroleum, water,natural gas and drilling fluid.

A third aspect of the present invention is wherein the volume fractionconstituent is a multiplicity of volume fraction constituents.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is wherein the multiplicity ofvolume fraction constituents includes a fluid and a gas.

A fifth aspect of the present invention includes a pipe having a knowninterior diameter communicating with the source of the fluid so that avolume of the fluid moves through the pipe at a velocity; a second probeexposed at least in part to the fluid moving through the pipe a knowndistance downstream from the first probe; a first output generated bythe first probe when a volume fraction constituent is sensed by thefirst probe and a second output generated by the second probe when thesame volume fraction constituent is subsequently sensed by the secondprobe, and wherein the first and second probe outputs are communicatedto the computer; and the computer uses a time difference between thefirst probe output and the second probe output to determine the velocityof the fluid moving through the pipe and by correlating the determinedvelocity with a known volume of fluid moving through the pipe a volumeof the volume fraction constituent is determined by the computer and bycorrelating the resonance points of the volume fraction constituent tothe resonance points for various constituents of volume fractionconstituents in the fluid, the volume of the volume fraction constituentis determined.

A sixth aspect of the present invention includes a backpressureregulator communicating with the pipe to maintain fluid pressure withinthe pipe and about the probes at a pressure at least equal to thepressure of the source of the fluid to prevent boiling within the pipe.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a method for identifyingand measuring a volume fraction constituent of a fluid, the methodcomprising providing a source of fluid, the fluid having a volumefraction constituent, and wherein the volume fraction constituent has apreviously calculated and known dielectric constant, and previouslycalculated and known resonance points; providing a database havingaccessible stored information about the previously calculated and knowndielectric constant of the volume fraction constituent and havingaccessible and stored information about the previously calculated andknown resonance points of the volume fraction constituent; providing aprobe exposed, at least in part, to the fluid, and wherein the probe hasa known length; providing an electrical pulse emitter whichelectronically generates an electrical pulse which is delivered to theprobe, and which further travels the known length of the probe and whichgenerates an electrical pulse reflection; providing an electrical pulsesampler electronically coupled with the probe and which further receivesand senses the electrical pulse reflection generated by electrical pulsewithin the probe; providing a computer electronically coupled with theprobe, the electrical pulse emitter, the electrical pulse sampler andthe database, and wherein the computer determines a time period betweenthe electrical pulse emission into the probe, and the receipt of thesensed electrical pulse reflection, and wherein the resonance points ofthe volume fraction constituent are calculated by the computer from thedetermined time period, and wherein the computer further correlates thedetermined time period to the previously calculated and known dielectricconstant and the previously calculated and known resonance points of thevolume fraction as provided in the database to identify the volumefraction constituent in the fluid; and providing a user interfaceelectronically coupled with the computer, and which further generates auser perceivable output which identifies the volume fraction constituentin the fluid.

An eighth aspect of the present invention includes applying a FastFourier Transform (FFT) to the determined time period to determine theresonance points which may be resonance frequencies of the volumefraction constituent.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is wherein the volume fractionconstituent is selected from the group consisting of petroleum, water,petroleum, gas and drilling fluids.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is wherein the volume fractionconstituent is a multiplicity of volume fraction constituents.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is wherein the multiplicityof volume fraction constituents includes a liquid and a gas.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention includes providing a pipehaving a known interior diameter communicating with the source of avolume of the fluid so that the fluid moves through the pipe at avelocity; providing a second probe exposed at least in part to the fluidmoving through the pipe a known distance downstream from the firstprobe; generating a first output by the first probe when a volumefraction constituent is sensed by the first probe and generating asecond output by the second probe when the same volume fractionconstituent is subsequently sensed by the second probe, andcommunicating the first and second probe outputs to the computer; anddetermining a velocity of each volume fraction constituent movingthrough the pipe by calculating a time difference between the firstprobe output and the second probe output and determining the volume ofeach volume fraction constituent moving through the pipe.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes maintaining fluidpressure about the probes at a pressure at least equal to the pressureof the source of the fluid to prevent boiling within the pipe.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes providing a backpressure regulator communicating with the pipe downstream of the probe.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for identifyingand measuring a volume fraction constituent of a fluid comprisingdetermining a dielectric constant of a volume fraction constituent bydetermining a time delay between an electrical pulse emission into aprobe exposed, at least in part, to the fluid and a reflection of theelectrical pulse from the probe; correlating the determined time delayto a database of known dielectric constants of known volume fractionconstituents which generate similar time delays to identify the volumefraction constituent; applying a Fast Fourier Transform to thedetermined time delay to generate a sine wave frequency of the volumefraction constituent; calculating a power spectral density calculationto determine the power and resonance points of the sine wave frequency;correlating the generated resonance points of the volume fractionconstituent to a database of known resonance points of knownconcentration of volume fraction constituents to identify the volumefraction constituent; and providing a user interface which generates auser perceivable output of the identified and measured volume fractionconstituents in the fluid in a user perceivable form.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention includes providing a pipehaving a known interior diameter communicating with the source of thefluid so that a volume of the fluid moves through the pipe at avelocity; providing a second probe exposed at least in part to the fluidmoving through the pipe a known distance downstream from the firstprobe; generating a first output by the first probe when a volumefraction constituent is sensed by the first probe, and generating asecond output by the second probe when the same volume fractionconstituent is subsequently sensed by the second probe, andcommunicating the first and second probe outputs to the computer; anddetermining a velocity of the volume fraction constituent moving throughthe pipe by calculating a time difference between the first probe outputand the second probe output with the known interior diameter of the pipeand known volume of fluid moving through the pipe; and correlating theresonance points of the volume fraction constituent to the resonancepoints for various concentrations of volume fraction constituents in thefluid the volume of the volume fraction constituent is determined.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a probe formed ofInconel® Alloy having a chrome alumina oxide coating extending entirelythereabout and having an electrical impedance of approximately 90 ohmsin air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram of our apparatus showingarrangement of the various components and fluid flow therethrough.

FIG. 2 is an orthographic front view of the two representative spacedapart grayloc supports and an electronics box mounted on a moveablesupport skid.

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric front, side and top view of a graylocsupport showing arrangement of the components and the probe.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic side view of the assembled grayloc support ofFIG. 3, less the sealed hubs.

FIG. 5 is an orthographic cross section view of the assembled graylocsupport of FIG. 4 taken on line 5-5 from FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an isometric front, side and top view of a first configurationof a probe and support block.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged isometric view of the probe and support blockshowing details of the coaxial cable connection.

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric front, side and top view of the probe ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is an orthographic front view of the probe of FIG. 6 less thesupport block.

FIG. 9 is an isometric front, side and top view of a secondconfiguration of probe having offset ground plates.

FIG. 10 is an orthographic side view of the second configuration ofblade probe of FIG. 9, showing the open structure formed by offsets ofthe ground plates relative to the center conductor.

FIG. 11 is a time domain reflectance trace of an electrical pulsethrough the probe in air showing the start point and the end point.

FIG. 12 is a time domain reflectance trace of an electrical pulsethrough the probe in water showing of the start point and the end point.

FIG. 13 is a time domain reflectance trace of an electrical pulsethrough the probe in mineral oil showing the start point and the endpoint.

FIG. 14 is a time domain reflectance trace of an electrical pulsethrough the probe in peanut oil showing the start point and the endpoint.

FIG. 15 is a comparison time domain reflectance trace of an electricalpulse through the probe in peanut oil, mineral oil and gear oil showingthe start point and the endpoint and showing the similarity in thetraces amongst the different types of oils.

FIG. 16 is a time domain reflectance trace of an electrical pulsethrough the probe in a mixture of air, mineral oil, peanut oil and watershowing the differences in the traces which allows identification of thecomponents.

FIG. 17 is a power spectral domain (frequency domain evaluation) graphof the TDR traces of FIG. 16 after applying the FFT and PSD showing theresonance points of the components.

FIG. 18 is a power spectral domain (frequency domain evaluation) graphof the TDR trace of FIG. 11 showing the resonance points in air.

FIG. 19 is a power spectral domain (frequency domain evaluation) graphof the TDR trace of FIG. 12 showing the resonance points in water.

FIG. 20 is a reduced scale power spectral domain (frequency domainevaluation) of the probe in water, similar to that of FIG. 19 showingthe resonance points.

FIG. 21 is a power spectral domain (frequency domain evaluation) graphof the TDR trace of FIG. 13 showing the resonance points in mineral oil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theConstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

An apparatus for identifying and measuring volume fraction constituentsof a fluid generally comprises a source of fluid 13, a pipe 20, a probe30, a grayloc support 80, a pulse emitter 120, a pulse sampler 150, acomputer 170, and a support frame 200.

The source of fluid 13 is typically an oil well, or grouping of oilwells producing a fluid 14 that contains a mixture of various volumefractions including, but not limited to, oil 15, water 16 and naturalgas 17. The source of fluid 13 may also be a stream of fluid 14 or asettling pond or similar volume of fluid 14 used in the drilling of awell (not shown) and including without limitation, drilling fluid or“drilling mud”. (not shown). It is also contemplated the source of fluid13 may be a volume of stored fluid 14 such as a volume of fuel within astorage tank (not shown). When produced from the source of fluid 13, thefluid 14 is at pressure and is typically at a temperature that mayexceed ambient temperature by hundreds of degrees, although thetemperature and pressure vary over time and conditions. It is furthercontemplated and anticipated the fluid 14 volume fraction constituents15, 16, 17 may be produced, and flow through the pipe 20, in segregatedfashion, and at other times it is anticipated the volume fractionconstituents 15, 16, 17 will be a mixture or emulsions 18 of fluid 14that may or may not be homogeneously distributed within the pipe 20.

Oil 15, water 16 and natural gas 17 are different molecular compounds,and have different, well recognized dielectric constants and resonancepoints depending upon the concentration. The dielectric constant ofwater 16 ranges from approximately 80 for cold water down toapproximately 25 for very hot water. The dielectric constant of steam isapproximately 1.01 increasing to approximately 1.15 as temperatureincreases. The dielectric constant of oil 15 is approximately 2.0 to 2.5depending upon the density of the oil 15. The dielectric constant ofnatural gas 17 is approximately 1.2 to approximately 1.6.

Because the known dielectric constant of steam (approximately 1.01-1.15)is similar to the dielectric constant of natural gas 17 (approximately1.2-1.6) use of a back pressure regulator 110 communicating with thepipe 20 maintains pressure within the pipe 20 at a pressure at leastequal to the pressure of the fluid 14 exiting the source of fluid 13.With the use of a back pressure regulator 110, even though the fluid 14may be at an extremely high temperature, the water 16 within the fluid14 will not boil, and will remain in a liquid state with thecorresponding dielectric constant and resonance points which aremeasurably different than the dielectric constant of natural gas 17.Preventing the formation of steam inside the pipe 20 allows the instantapparatus to distinguish between natural gas 17, and water 16 using theknown dielectric constants and resonance points thereof.

The pipe 20 has an inflow end 21 communicating with the source of fluid13 and an outflow end 22 communicating with a distribution point (notshown) such as a collection facility (not shown). The pipe 20 has aknown interior diameter 23, an exterior diameter 24, an exterior surface25, defines a medial channel 28 and may contain a plurality ofconnections 26 where fittings 27 and apparatus and the like may bejoined to the pipe 20, and also where the pipe 20 may connect to othersections of pipe 20 to extend the length thereof. When the invention isused in the drilling of a well to identify and measure componentsproduced in a well drilling operation, the pipe 20 may communicate witha settling pond or similar collection body (not shown) which serves asthe source of fluid 13. Further the pipe may communicate with otherpipes (not shown) that carry drilling fluids and the like to and fromthe well bore, some of which may be under high pressure, such asdownstream of a high pressure pump (not shown) and some of which maybebefore or after the separation of particulated solids (not shown) fromthe fluid 14, such as by a vibrating screen (not shown) or a centrifuge(not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, a temperature sensor 100 and a flow meter may beinterconnected with the pipe 20 downstream of the source of fluid 13 andupstream of the grayloc support 80. The temperature sensor 100 and flowmeter 90 are known apparatus and communicate with the medial channel 28of the pipe 20 to monitor and sense the temperature of and movement offluid 14 through the pipe 20. Information and data sensed by thetemperature sensor 100 and the flow meter 90 are communicated to thecomputer 170.

In a first embodiment of the invention (FIG. 2), there are two spacedapart grayloc supports 80, 80A. Each grayloc support 80, 80A (FIGS. 3-5)is a fitting having a “cross” configuration defining an entry port 81,an exit port 82, a probe insertion port 83 and a blind port 84. Each ofthe ports 81, 82, 83, 84 communicate with a medial chamber 85therebetween to allow fluid flow therethrough. An exterior circumferenceof each port 81, 82, 83, 84 defines a radially enlarged sealing flange86 configured for engagement with a two part sealing clamp 87 to providea fluid tight seal between the grayloc support 80 and the adjoining pipe20, or an adjoining hub 89 to provide fluid containment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second grayloc support 80A communicates with thepipe 20 a known distance 76 downstream from the first grayloc support80. The second grayloc support 80A has the same components andconfiguration as the first grayloc support 80 and therefore a detaileddescription of the second grayloc support 80A is omitted herein.

In configurations and embodiments where the apparatus is being used toidentify and measure volume fraction constituents of a stationary fluid14, such as a volume of fluid 14 contained within a storage tank (notshown), only one grayloc support 80 and probe 30 may be employed. Ifonly a single grayloc support 80 is employed, it is necessary to have aflow meter 90 communicating with the pipe 20 if a velocity of the fluid14 flowing through the pipe 20 is a required measurement.

In the first embodiment there are two spaced apart probes 30A, 30B, oneprobe 30 within each grayloc support 80, 80A. The first probe 30A andthe second probe 30B are identical in configuration and function andtherefore only the first probe 30A will be described in detail. Thesetwo spaced apart grayloc supports 80 allows velocity and volume to becalculated without use of a flow meter 90.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the probe 30 is positionally supportedwithin the medial chamber 85 defined by the grayloc support 80 so thatat least a portion of the probe 30 is exposed to the fluid 14 flowingthrough the grayloc support 80 medial chamber 85.

The probe 30 (FIGS. 6-8) has a body 31 that is generally planar andrectilinear. The body 31 has a first end 32 and an opposing second end33, a first surface 34, and an opposing second surface 35 with athickness 36 between the first surface 34 and the second surface 35. Thebody 31 further has a first edge 37, and an opposing second edge 38 anddefines a dimensionally enlarged shoulder (not shown) in the first edge37 and the second edge 38 spaced apart from the first end 32. The body31 further defines an elongated medial slot 45 between a first groundplate 40 at the first edge 37 and a second ground plate 50 at the secondedge 38. An elongated center conductor 60 is carried within the medialslot 45 and has a root end 61 that is structurally attached to the probebody 31 proximate the second end 33 between the first and second groundplates 40, 50 respectively, and the center conductor 60 has a freeterminal end 62 within the medial slot 45 proximate to the body 31 firstend 32. The free terminal end 62 of the center conductor 60 carries aconductor adaptor link 70 and a conductor weld pad 71 for electronicconnection to a coaxial cable 75. The length of the center conductor 60defines the active length of the probe 30. The first end 32 of the probebody 31 is known as the “active end” of the probe 30.

An elongated gap 66 is defined between each laterally outer edge of thecenter conductor 60 and a proximate edge of the first ground plate 40and a proximate edge of the second ground plate 50. The gap 66 isengineered to provide optimum sensitivity to the detection of charges involume flow constituents 15, 16, 17 by impedance measurements. The gap66 is uniform along its length and is typically approximately 0.080inches in width for oil 15, water 16 and natural gas mixtures. It isexpressly contemplated however, other gap 66 widths may be used and/orengineered to match the impedances of other volume fraction constituents15, 16, 17 to be identified and measured in the fluid 14.

A probe support block 67, which is generally rectilinear inconfiguration and formed of silicon carbide defines a generally medialslot (not shown) therein through which the probe body 31 first end 32extends. The probe support block 67 frictionally engages with thedimensionally enlarged shoulders (not shown) defined in the probe body31 so as to positionally maintain the probe 30 relative to the probesupport block 67.

A coaxial cable 75 is electronically coupled with the conductor weld pad71 so that signals may be transmitted to the probe 30 and received fromthe probe 30. Best shown in FIG. 7, the coaxial cable 75, and itsattachment to the conductor weld pad 71, is positionally secured to theprobe body 31 by an inner slip support 69, a pack 73 and a ring 74 sothat the coaxial cable 75 is securely, and insulatively connected to thecenter conductor 60. In the current embodiment the pack 73 and ring 74are formed of Teflon, but other materials such as PEEK may similarly beused and one contemplated. Plural support straps 72 (FIGS. 8, 9)spacedly arrayed on the probe body 31 further secure the coaxial cable75 relative to the probe 30.

An active end support 77 (FIG. 3) frictionally engages the first end 32of the probe 30 and extends over and about the coaxial cable 75 and aninner slip support 69. The active end support 77 aligns and positionallymaintains the first end 32 of the probe body 31 within the medialchamber 85 of the grayloc support 80. (See FIG. 5). Similarly, a passiveend support 78 frictionally engages with the second end 33 of the probe30 and similarly aligns and positionally maintains the second end 33 ofthe probe 30 within the medial chamber 85 of the grayloc support 80.(FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 3, the assembled probe 30 and the active end support 77are inserted into the grayloc support 80 probe insertion port 83 so thata medial portion of the probe 30 extends across the medial chamber 85and is oriented so that the first surface 34 and second surface 35 areparallel to the flow of fluid 14 through the grayloc support 80 medialchamber 85. The probe 30 and end supports 77, 78 are secured within thegrayloc support 80 medial chamber 85 by known means including, but notlimited to, a spacer, a retainer plate and alignment pins. Suchfastening means secure the first end 32 of the probe 30, and also securethe second end 33 of the probe 30 so that the probe 30 is supported fromboth the first end 32 and the second end 33 within the medial chamber85. A fluid tight hub 89 is interconnected with the probe insertion port83 sealing flange 86, and also with the blind port 84 sealing flange 86.Known, two part sealing clamps 87, and plural threaded fasteners 88secure the hubs 89 to the sealing flanges 86 to provide a fluid tightseal therebetween. As can be seen in the drawings, the coaxial cable 75extends through the hub 89 proximate to the first end 32 of the probe 30by way of a CONAX pressure gland seal 79. The coaxial cable 75electronically communicates with the probe 30 center conductor 60 andwith the pulse emitter 120 and with the pulse sampler 150.

The grayloc entry port 81 communicates with the pipe 20 by means of afluid tight connection 26 therebetween. Similarly, the exit port 82communicates with a pipe 20 by means of a fluid tight connection 26therebetween.

The second grayloc support 80A is also in fluid communication with thepipe 20 a known distance 76 downstream from the first grayloc support80. The structure of the second grayloc support 80A, and the structureof the second probe 30B carried therein is the same as theaforementioned and described grayloc support 80 and first probe 30A.

The coaxial cables 75 that electronically communicate with each of theprobes 30A, 30B are each electronically coupled with a pulse emitter 120and also with pulse sampler 150. The pulse emitter 120 and the pulsesampler 150 may also be combined into a single apparatus commonly calleda Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR), such as the EFP Signal Processorutilizing the CT100B software developed and manufactured by Mohr Testand Measurement of Richland, Wash., USA. Such TDR EFP Signal Processorsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,857 issued Nov. 22, 1998, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,723,979 issued Mar. 3, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,211issued Nov. 7, 2000, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,803 issued Feb. 19, 2002and which were all invented by Charles L. Mohr (one of the jointinventors herein). The aforementioned issued US patents and theteachings therein are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.

Time domain reflectometry is known as an effective means for determiningthe level of a liquid, such as in a tank. Using time domainreflectometry, electrical pulses are conveyed along a transmission lineto an electrically conductive probe 30. The electrical pulses arepartially reflected when there is a change in the electrical impedanceof the fluid 14 to which the probe 30 is exposed. The impedance changeis associated with a difference in dielectric strength. “Electricalpermittivity” is a technical term indicating the dielectric propertiesof the fluid 14. The electrical pulses produced by a time domainreflectometry system are affected by the dielectric constant of thesurrounding fluid 14 in which the electrical pulse is traveling. Thedielectric constant (permittivity) of the fluid 14 directly affects thepropagation velocity of an electromagnetic wave as it travels along theprobe 30. In time domain reflectometry systems, an electromagnetic pulseis propagated into and along the probe 30 which has a known length whilemeasuring the time of arrival and the time of reflection from electricaldiscontinuities at two known, spaced apart, points. The first knownpoint is where a coaxial cable 75 is attached to the probe 30. Thesecond known spaced apart point, is a distal end of the probe 30. Sincethese locations are both known, one can calculate the propagationvelocity of the electromagnetic wave and, as a result, calculate theapparent dielectric constant of the material undergoing tests and towhich the probe 30 is exposed. Similarly, changes in the dielectricconstant which relate to changes in the fluid 14 adjacent to andsurrounding the probe 30 can also be determined. For example, theapparent dielectric constant provides a direct indication of thepresence of identifiable types of fluids 14.

The pulse emitter 120 which may be incorporated into a TDR is anelectronic apparatus that emits electronic pulses (not shown) which areconveyed to the probe 30 through the coaxial cable 75 at a preferredrate of approximately 500 to 800 samples per second depending upon thespeed of computation and generating approximately 500 data points persample. This means the electronic pulses are at increments ofapproximately 0.76 picoseconds. When the pulse emitter 120 emits a pulse(not shown) the pulse is conveyed along the coaxial cable 75 and to theprobe 30 center conductor 60 through the conductor weld pad 71. Thepulse travels along the center conductor 60 whereupon, depending uponthe constituents 15, 16, 17 of the surrounding fluid 14 and therespective impedance (dielectric constants) of the constituents 15, 16,17 to which the probe 30 is exposed, an electrical pulse reflection (notshown) is created when the pulse experiences a change in velocity due toa change in electrical impedance caused by a change in dielectricconstant of the fluid 14 within the probe gaps 66 and surrounding theprobe 30 active area. The pulse reflection is received from the probe 30through the coaxial cable 75 and is communicated to the pulse sampler150 where the reflection is sensed and recorded.

As the dielectric constant properties of the fluid 14 constituents 15,16, 17 surrounding the probe 30 and within the probe gaps 66 change dueto movement of the constituents 15, 16, 17 through the pipe 20, thevelocity and distance traveled by the pulse in the increment of timebetween any two sequential pulses changes the apparent length of theprobe 30. The pulse reflection, which indicates the end of the probe 30or impedance change (the length of the probe in time), is conveyed alongthe coaxial cable 75 to the pulse sampler 150. Known computer logicwithin the computer 170 which is in electronic communication with thepulse emitter 120 and the pulse sampler 150 calculates the “length ofthe probe in time,” Determination of the “length of the probe in time”is empirically representative of the dielectric constant of the fluidconstituent 15, 16, 17.

The computer 170 has a database 172, which has stored therein, data andinformation on predetermined known dielectric constants of fluidconstituents 15, 16, 17 and predetermined time delays generated byvarious dielectric constants. The database 172 also has stored thereinpredetermined known data and information of resonance points of variousknown volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 and the resonance pointsof various concentrations of the volume fraction constituents 15, 16,17. The database 172 may also be a correlation or an algorithm whereininformation may be correlated and/or compared.

The computer 170 determines the time difference between emission of theelectrical pulse into the probe 30 by the pulse emitter 120, and receiptof the pulse reflection from the probe 30, by the pulse sampler 150. Thedetermined time is then correlated by the computer 170, using thedatabase 172 to known predetermined dielectric constants of known volumefraction constituents 15, 16, 17 which would similarly generate thedetermined time difference. The correlation of the determined timedifference with information contained within the database 172 permitsidentification of the volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 fluid 14 by“matching” the determined time difference, with the predetermined knowndielectric constant of various known constituents 15, 16, 17 of thefluid 14 which allows identification of the constituent 15, 16, 17.

The determined time difference between the electrical pulse emissionfrom the pulse emitter 120 into the probe 30, and receipt of theelectrical pulse reflection from the probe 30 by the pulse sampler 150provides a “length of the probe” measurement which is shared with adetection algorithm within the computer 170 that compares the known“length of the probe” (which correlates to the impedance of the probe30) to known dielectric constants, which may vary with salt content, andtemperature as detected by the temperature sensor 100 in order to matchthe determined parameters with a known baseline to identify the volumefraction constituents 15, 16, 17 within the fluid 14. This first measureis time domain evaluation. It is the behavior of the electrical pulsewithin the probe 30, and the resulting length of the probe 30 whichallows a first identification of the fluid constituents 15, 16, 17passing through the grayloc support 80 medial chamber 85. As the fluid14 passes around and about the probe 30 and through the gaps 66 betweenthe center conductor 60 and proximate edges of the ground plates 40, 50,the pulse reflection, received by the pulse sampler 150 changes as thevolume fraction constituents 14, 15, 16 of the fluid 14 change. Thechange is caused by the changing electrical impedance and changingdielectric constant of the fluid 14 that is in contact with the probe 30and immediately surrounding the probe 30. However, it is known that thedielectric constants of such volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 arevariable and dependent upon temperature and salt content and thereforeusing only one measure does not generate consistently reliably accurateresults.

A second, frequency domain analysis takes advantage of the resonance ofan electrical signal in the fluid 14 and allows measuring of a volume ofthe volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 within the fluid 14. Byperforming a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the previously determinedtime delay of the pulse reflector, a sine wave frequency is determined.The frequency and amplitude of the sine wave signal (Power SpectralDensity PSD) as a function of frequency allows different characteristicpatterns of the constituents 15, 16, 17 to be identified. By examiningthe various resonance points as the frequency increases, the distancebetween the resonance points and the amplitude (strength) of theresonance points provide additional information as to various chemicalcompounds within the fluid 14 and allows identification andcharacterization of those various components, such as drilling fluids,drilling mud, oil 15, water 16, natural gas 17 and other componentswhich may be newly appearing in the fluid 14 passing by the probes 30A,30B. FIG. 16 shows the combined signals from a probe 30 in water 16,mineral oil, peanut oil and air. (Peanut oil and mineral oil were usedin testing as representative oils to replicate petroleum). FIG. 17 showsthe FFT transform of the same signals taken from the probe 30 in thedifferent fluids 14 showing the Power Spectral Density (PSD) as afunction of the frequency. As can be seen, the frequency/amplitudepoints of water 16, oil 15, air and peanut oil are distinctly differentfrom one another, and changes in the relative fractions of thecomposition (concentrations) of the oil 15 causes a resulting shift inthe resonance. The shift in resonance allows a measure of the fractionof each of the volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17.

By performing the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the reflectedelectrical pulse received by the pulse sampler 150, and by performing aPower Spectral Density (PSD) calculation, the frequency and amplitude ofthe resonance points can be identified.

The FFT takes a time-based plot (the determined time delay) and convertsthe time-based plot into a series of sine waves that duplicate the timehistory of the electric pulse as a series of frequency based sine waveswith the maximums and minimums of the sine waves representing amplitudeand resonance points of the volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 towhich the probe 30 is exposed during the pulse and reflection thereof.The PSD calculation determines the average power, amplitude andfrequency of the FFT transform. The first resonance point isidentifiable because it has a wavelength that is equal to twice theactive length of the probe 30. The relative permittivity of the fluid 14is calculated by comparing the determined velocity in the fluidconstituents 15, 16, 17 to the velocity of light in a vacuum using thefollowing relationship between velocity and dielectric:

${\frac{cf}{c} = \sqrt{1/{ef}}};$where cf is the transmission speed of the pulse in the fluid 14, c isthe speed of light in a vacuum, and ef is the relative permittivity ordielectric constant of the fluid 14. It is further noted that an inverseof the FFT allows recreation of the time history plot.

FIG. 16 shows combined time delay signals from a probe 30 exposed towater 16, oil 15 and air. The time delay shown in FIG. 16 is the transittime for the pulse to reach the end of the probe 30 and reflecttherefrom. This time delay is proportional to the dielectric constant ofthe constituents 15, 16, 17 surrounding the probe 30. FIG. 17 shows agraphed Fast Fourier Transform and PSD of the signals shown in FIG. 16.FIG. 17 also shows the resonant peaks generated by the probe 30 in air,water 16 and oil 15.

As can be seen in FIG. 16, the dielectric constants are all differentfrom one another, and changes in the relative volume fractions 15, 16,17 causes a shift in the resonance peaks.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a second grayloc support 80A isinterconnected with the pipe 20 a known distance 76 downstream from thefirst grayloc support 80. The second downstream grayloc support 80Acarries a second probe 30B that is identical in configuration andfunction to the first probe 30A. The second probe 30B is similarlyelectronically coupled with a pulse emitter 120 and also with a pulsesampler 150, or a combined TDR, (Not shown). The pulse emitter 120 andpulse sampler 150 perform the same functions as the previouslyidentified pulse emitter 120 and pulse sampler 150 to determine a timedelay between the pulse emission into the probe 30B and receipt of apulse reflection from the probe 30B by the pulse sampler 150. Thedetermined time delay allows determination of the dielectric constantsof the constituents 15, 16, 17 of the fluid 14 by comparison to theknown, pre-determined time delay information stored in the database 172information that is assessable by the computer 170. Each probe 30A, 30Bmay be, coupled with, a separate pulse emitter 120 and a separate pulsesampler 150 which as noted previously may be combined within a singleTDR. (Not shown). The computer 170, and the database 172 accessiblethereby, is electronically coupled with both pulse emitters 120 and bothpulse samplers 150 (both TDR's) so as to correlate the determined timedelays from each probe 30A, 30B with the information within the database172.

The known distance 76 between the first probe 30A and the second probe30B allows the instant invention to continuously, and in real time,determine the volume of each volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17moving through the pipe 20. Because the computer 170 is electronicallycoupled with the first probe 30A and with the first pulse emitter 120,and the first pulse sampler 150, and also with the second probe 30B andthe second pulse emitter 120, and the second pulse sampler 150, thecomputer 170 is able to determine a time delay between the first probe's30A identification of a specific volume constituent 15, 16, 17 and thesecond probe's 30B identification of the same volume constituent 15, 16,17 subsequent to the first probe 30A identification. Because theinterior diameter 23 of the medial channel 28 is known, the total volumeof the fluid 14 moving through the pipe 20 by unit of time may becalculated once the velocity of the fluid 14 in the pipe 20 isdetermined. The time delay between the first probe 30A identifying aspecific volume constituent 15, 16, 17 and the second probe 30Bsubsequently identifying the same volume constituent 15, 16, 17 is usedin conjunction with the known distance 76 and known volumetric formulasto determine the volume of identified volume fraction constituents 15,16, 17 moving through the pipe 20. The probe's 30A, 30B detection of achange in probe length, as described earlier, is indicative of adifferent volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 being identified by theprobe 30A, 30B and that information, which is communicated to thecomputer 170 allows identification of the volume constituent 15, 16, 17,and the volume of the volume of that constituent 15, 16, 17 to bedetermined.

The time domain evaluation, and the frequency domain evaluation, providetwo separate methods to identify volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17in the fluid 14 and further allows a determination of a volume of eachvolume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 to be determined as the fluid 14moves through the pipe 20, on a continuous basis. The frequency domainevaluation further allows the concentration of the various volumefraction constituents 15, 16, 17 in the fluid 14 to be determined bycorrelating the resonance points of the fluid constituents with knownresonance points of known constituent concentration within the database172.

Each probe 30A, 30B has a probe body 31 (FIGS. 6-10) that is generallyrectangular in shape and formed of a metallic alloy and is preferablyapproximately 0.050 inches thick from the first surface 34 to the secondsurface 35 and approximately 1.00 inches in width from the first edge 37to the second edge 38. The probe body 31 is preferably formed entirelyof Inconel® alloy 725 which is highly resistant to the corrosiveenvironment to which the probe body 31 may be exposed during operation.Further, a desirable and durable dielectric oxide coating (not shown) isformed on the probe of body 31 extending entirely thereabout. Inconel®alloy 718 may also be used, but Inconel® alloy 725 is preferred.Inconel® alloy 725 and Inconel® alloy 718 are available from MegamexSpecialty Metals of Humble, Tex.

The method of forming the probe 30, which carries the durable dielectricoxide coating on its outer surfaces 34, 35, includes the steps ofcutting the desired probe 30 shape from the desired metallic alloy andthen oxidizing cleaning the probe body 31 at approximately 1,750° to2,000° Fahrenheit in air for one to three hours in order to form thehighly electrically resistive oxide surface covering the entire body 31of the probe 30. The temperatures used in formation of the oxide coatingreduce cracking of the oxide coating and prevents embrittlement causedby grain growth. Following the one to three hour heat treatment, theprobe body 31 is cooled to less than 1,000° Fahrenheit. Subsequently,the probe body 31 is heated in air to 1,325° Fahrenheit for a period of8 hours. Thereafter, the probe body 31 is air cooled in an oven toambient temperature. The heat treatment process forms a chrome aluminaoxide coating covering the entire probe body 31 to insulate the probebody 31 in the fluid 14. The oxide coating is preferably approximately0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm thick and is believed to have a chemicalcomposition of approximately CrMoNbTiAl.

It is desirable that the probe body 31, carrying the chrome aluminaoxide coating has an impedance of approximately 90 ohms in air, whichallows use of a 90 ohm coaxial cable 75 for interconnection with thepulse emitter 120 and the pulse sampler 150. The use of a 90 ohm coaxialcable 75 allows the probe 30 to measure 100% water 16; water 16containing very little oil 15; 100% oil 15; and oil 15 containing verylittle water 16. Providing for such a wide range of measurements ofwater/oil mixtures allows the probe 30 to measure a full range of “watercuts”. Further, the ability to operate at 90 ohms allows the probe 30 toidentify drilling fluids (not shown) and components thereof and alsoidentify and measure effective water 16 content within drilling fluids.The probe's 30 the ability to measure water content allows the probe 30to be used in stationary operations, such as to measure the water 16content of a standing pool of fluid 14, such as fuel in a fuel tank (notshown) that may be contaminated with an unknown amount of water 16. Theprobe's 30 ability to detect and measure drilling fluids/drilling muds(not shown) allows the instant invention and probes 30 to be used in thedrilling of hydrocarbon producing wells, as well as the use inhydrocarbon producing wells that are in production.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a second design of probe 30 is alsocontemplated herein. This second probe 30 design is intended to reducepotential (clogging) due to particulates and solids within the fluid 14moving through the medial channel 28 of the pipe 20 and the graylocsupports 80 and is particularly useful for use in drilling operationswhen drilling mud is a component of the fluid 14. In the second design(FIGS. 9, 10) the first ground plate 40 is offset toward the firstsurface 34 relative to the center conductor 60 defining a gap 66 ofapproximately 0.080 inches between a proximate edge of the first groundplate 40 and the center conductor 60. Similarly, the second ground plate50 is offset toward the second surface 35 by a distance of approximately0.080 inches to define a gap 66 between the proximate edge of the secondground plate 50 and the center conductor 60. The offsetting of the firstground plate 40 and the second ground plate 50 relative to the centerconductor 60 is facilitated by bends 57 at a bottom portion of theoffset portion, and at an upper portion of the offset portion so thatonly the active portion of the probe body 31 is laterally offset toallow fluid 14 to flow through the gap 66. (FIG. 10). In other aspects,the second probe design (FIG. 10) is the same as that of the first probedesign (FIG. 6).

OPERATION

Having described the structure of an apparatus for identifying andmeasuring a volume fraction constituent of a fluid, its operation may beunderstood.

A source of fluid 13 is provided and is interconnected with a pipe 20defining the medial channel 28 to provide fluid 14 moving therethrough,the fluid 14 having a volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 that isdesired to be identified and measured, and wherein the volume fractionconstituent 15, 16, 17 has previously calculated and known dielectricconstant, and a previously calculated and known resonance points, andwherein information about the previously calculated and known dielectricconstant and previously calculated and known resonance points of thevolume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 is stored in, and is accessiblefrom a database 172.

A first probe 30A is exposed at least in part to the fluid 14 movingthrough the pipe 20, the first probe 30A having a known active length,and the first probe 30A is positionally maintained within a medialchamber 85 defined by a grayloc support 80 communicating with the medialchannel 28 of the pipe 20, so that the fluid 14 flows therethrough andthereabout and therepast the first probe 30A.

A second probe 30B is also exposed at least in part to the fluid 14moving through the pipe 20, a known distance 76 downstream of the firstprobe 30A, the second probe 30B having an known active length, and thesecond probe 30B is positionally maintained within a medial chamber 85defined by a second grayloc support 80A that also communicates with themedial channel 28 of the pipe 20, a known distance 76 downstream of thefirst grayloc support 80 so that the fluid 14 flows therethrough, andthereabout and therepast the second probe 30B.

A back pressure regulator 110 communicating with the medial channel 28of the pipe 20 maintains fluid pressure about the probes 30A, 30B at apressure at least equal to the pressure of the source of the fluid 13 toprevent boiling of the fluid 14 within the pipe 20 to prevent formationof steam within the pipe 20, because steam has a dielectric constantthat is similar to the dielectric constant of natural gas 17 which wouldmake it difficult to distinguish between a volume of natural gas 17 anda volume of steam.

The first electrical pulse emitter 120 electronically generates anelectrical pulse which is conveyed to the first probe 30A through thecoaxial cable 75. The electrical pulse then generates an electricalpulse reflection upon interacting with a changed electrical impedance(which is indicated as an end of the first probe 30A) and which iscaused by a change in sensed dielectric constant of the volume fractionconstituent 15, 16, 17 to which the first probe 30A is exposed. Thefirst electrical pulse sampler 150 receives and senses of the electricalpulse reflection.

Similarly, the second electrical pulse emitter 120 electronicallygenerates an electrical pulse which is conveyed to the second probe 30Bthrough the coaxial cable 75. The electrical pulse similarly generatesan electrical pulse reflection upon interacting with the changedelectrical impedance (which is indicated as an end of the second probe30B) and which is caused by a change in sensed dielectric constant ofthe volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 to which the second probe 30Bis exposed. The second electrical pulse sampler 150 receives and sensesof the electrical pulse reflection.

The computer 170 is electronically coupled with the first probe 30A, thefirst electrical pulse emitter 120, the first electrical pulse sampler150 and the database 172. The computer 170 determines a time delaybetween the electrical pulse emission into the first probe 30A andreceipt of the sensed electrical pulse reflection from the first probe30A.

The computer 170 is also electronically coupled with the second probe30B, the second electrical pulse emitter 120, the second electricalpulse sampler 150 and the database 172. The computer 170 also determinesa time delay between the electrical pulse emission into the second probe30B and receipt of the sensed electrical pulse reflection from thesecond probe 30B.

The computer 170 performs the time domain evaluation by correlating andcomparing the determined time delay between pulse emission and pulsereflection receipt to the information within the database 172 to matchthe determined time delay to similar time delays generated by knowndielectric constants, and then the computer 170 correlates theidentified dielectric constant to known and previously determined volumefraction constituents 15, 16, 17 having such dielectric constants. Thecomputer also performs the frequency domain evaluation bydetermining/calculating the resonance points of the volume fractionconstituents 15, 16, 17 and concentrations thereof in the fluid 14 byapplying a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to the previously determinedtime delay. A Power Spectral Density (PSD) evaluation is then made ofthe calculated resonance points by the computer 170 to determine theaverage power, amplitude and frequency of the volume fractionconstituents 15, 16, 17. The computer 170 then correlates the resonancepoints resulting from the FFT and PSD to the previously calculated andknown resonance points as provided in the database 172 as a secondmeasure to identify the volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 in thefluid 14 and to measure the volume of the volume fraction constituents15, 16, 17 in the fluid 14.

A first output (not shown) is generated by the first probe 30A when avolume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 is sensed by the first probe 30A,and a second output (not shown) is generated by the second probe 30Bwhen the same volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 is subsequentlysensed by the second probe 30B. The first and second probe outputs (notshown) are communicated to the computer 170 through the coaxial cable 75wherein the computer 170 uses the time delay between the first probe 30Aoutput and the second probe 30B output to determine the velocity of thevolume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 moving through the pipe 20.

The user interface 210 is electronically coupled with the computer 170and receives the identification of the volume fraction constituents 15,16, 17 and the volume fraction 15, 16, 17 volume calculation data fromthe computer 170 to generate a user perceivable output (not shown) whichidentifies the volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 in the fluid 14and the volume thereof moving through the pipe 20 continuously and inreal time.

The instant invention also provides a method for identifying andmeasuring the volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 of a fluid 14. Themethod is first initiated by providing a source of fluid 13 whichcommunicates with the pipe 20 that defines a medial channel 28 for thefluid 14 to move therethrough. The fluid 14 has a volume fractionconstituent 15, 16, 17 and each volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17has a previously calculated and known dielectric constant and previouslycalculated and known resonance points.

The database 172, which is assessable by the computer 170, has storedassessable information about the previously calculated and knowndielectric constant of each volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 andstored assessable information about the previously calculated and knownresonance points of each volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17, andeach volume fraction constituent at various concentrations.

The first probe 30A is positionally maintained within the upstreamgrayloc support 80, and the first probe 30A is exposed, at least inpart, to the fluid 14 moving through the medial channel 28 of the pipe20 and through the upstream grayloc support 80. The second probe 30B issimilarly positionally maintained within a second grayloc support 80A,and the second probe 30B is exposed, at least in part, to the fluid 14moving through the medial channel 28 of the pipe 20 and through thesecond grayloc support 80A downstream a known distance 76 from the firstprobe 30A.

The back pressure regulator 110 which communicates with the medialchannel 28 of the pipe 20 maintains fluid pressure within the medicalchannel 28 and about the first and second probes 30A, 30B respectively,at a pressure at least equal to the pressure of the source of fluid 13to prevent boiling of the fluid 14 within the medial channel 28 of thepipe 20.

The first electrical pulse emitter 120 electronically generates anelectrical pulse that is conveyed to the first probe 30A through thecoaxial cable 75. The electrical pulse is conveyed into the first probe30A and generates an electrical pulse reflection when the electricalpulse travels the entire active length of the first probe 30A, orearlier interacts with a changed electrical impedance or a changeddielectric constant of a volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 to whichthe first probe 30A is at least partially exposed. The pulse reflectionis received by the first electrical pulse sampler 150 that iselectronically coupled with the first probe 30A by the coaxial cable 75.

Similarly, the second electrical pulse emitter 120 electronicallygenerates an electrical pulse that is conveyed to the second probe 30Bthrough the coaxial cable 75. The electrical pulse is conveyed into thesecond probe 30B and a generates an electrical pulse reflection when theelectrical pulse travels the entire active length of the second probe30B or earlier interacts with a changed electrical impedance or achanged dielectric constant of a volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17to which the second probe 30B is at least partially exposed. The pulsereflection is received by a second electrical pulse sampler 150 that iselectronically coupled with the second probe 30B by the coaxial cable75.

The computer 170 is electronically coupled with the probes 30A, 30B theelectrical pulse emitters 120, the electrical pulse samplers 150 and thedatabase 172.

The computer 170 determines a time delay between the electrical pulseemission into each probe 30A, 30B and receipt of the electrical pulsereflections from each probe 30A, 30B.

The computer 170 correlates the determined time delay between theelectrical pulse emission into each probe 30A, 30B, and receipt of theelectrical pulse reflection from the respective probe 30A, 30B to theinformation stored within the database 172 of known time delaysgenerated by known dielectric constants of known volume fractionconstituents 15, 16, 17 to provide a measure to identify the volumefraction constituents 15, 16, 17 within the fluid 14.

The computer 170 also applies a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to thedetermined time delay to generate a sine wave frequency based upon thedetermined time delay. The computer 170 also calculates the PowerSpectral Density (PSD) of the generated sine wave frequency to determinethe average power, amplitude and frequency of the sine wave to identifyresonance points. The computer 170 correlates the frequency from theFast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the resonance points of the PSD to thedatabase 172 of known resonance points of known volume fractionconstituents 15, 16, 17 to provide another measure to identify thevolume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 within the fluid 14 and also tomeasure the volume of the volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 in thefluid 14.

A first output (not shown) is generated by the first probe 30A when avolume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 is sensed by the first probe 30Aand identified by the computer 170, and a second output (not shown) isgenerated by the second probe 30B when the same volume fractionconstituent 15, 16, 17 is subsequently sensed by the second probe 30Band identified by the computer 170.

The volume of each volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 moving throughthe pipe 20 is calculated by using the determined time delay between thefirst probe 30A output and the second probe 30B output by calculatingthe velocity of the sensed volume fraction constituent 15, 16, 17 movingthe known distance 76 and using the known interior diameter 23 of thepipe 20.

The user interface 210 which is electronically coupled with the computer170 and which receives the identification of the volume fractionconstituent 15, 16, 17, and the first probe 30A output (not shown) andthe second probe 30B output (not shown) and the correlation of resonancepoints of the volume fraction constituents 15, 16, 17 generates a userperceivable output (not shown) which identifies each volume fractionconstituent 15, 16, 17 in the fluid 14, and the volume thereof movingthrough the pipe 20 on a real-time and continuous basis.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for identifying and measuring a volumefraction constituent of a fluid, comprising: a source of fluid with aknown temperature, and having a volume fraction constituent, and whereinthe volume fraction constituent has a previously calculated, and knowndielectric constant and previously calculated and known resonancepoints, and wherein information about the previously calculated, andknown dielectric constant and previously calculated and known resonancepoints of the volume fraction constituent is stored in, and isaccessible from a database; a probe exposed, at least in part, to thefluid, and wherein the probe has a known length; an electrical pulseemitter which electronically generates a predetermined electrical pulsewhich is delivered to the probe, and which further travels the knownlength of the probe and which generates an electrical pulse reflection;an electrical pulse sampler which electronically communicates with theprobe and which further receives and senses the electrical pulsereflection generated by the electrical pulse within the probe; acomputer electrically coupled with the probe, electrical pulse emitter,electrical pulse sampler and the database, and wherein the computerdetermines a time period between the electrical pulse emission into theprobe, and receipt of the sensed electrical pulse reflection, andwherein resonance points of the volume fraction constituent arecalculated by the computer from the determined time period, and whereinthe computer further correlates the determined time period to thepreviously calculated, and known dielectric constant and the previouslycalculated and known resonance points of the volume fraction constituentas provided in the database so as to identify the volume fractionconstituent in the fluid; and a user interface electrically coupled withthe computer, and which further generates a user perceivable outputwhich identifies the volume fraction constituent.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the volume fraction constituent is selected from thegroup consisting of petroleum, oil, water, natural gas, drilling fluid,drilling fluid components and particulated solids.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the volume fraction constituent is a multiplicity ofvolume fraction constituents.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein themultiplicity of volume fraction constituents includes a fluid and a gas.5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a pipe having a knowninterior diameter communicating with the source of the fluid so that avolume of the fluid moves through the pipe; a second probe exposed atleast in part to the fluid moving through the pipe a known distancedownstream from the first probe; a first output generated by the firstprobe when a volume fraction constituent is sensed by the first probeand a second output generated by the second probe when the same volumefraction constituent is sensed by the second probe, and wherein thefirst and second probe outputs are communicated to the computer; and thecomputer determines a time difference between the first probe output andthe second probe output and uses the determined time difference betweenthe first probe output and the second probe output to determine thevelocity of the volume fraction constituent moving through the pipe andby correlating the determined velocity with a known total volume offluid moving through the pipe a volume of the volume fractionconstituent by unit of time is determined.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5further comprising: a backpressure regulator communicating with the pipeto maintain fluid pressure within the pipe and about the probes at apressure at least equal to the pressure of the source of the fluid toprevent boiling of the fluid within the pipe.
 7. The apparatus of claim1 further comprising: a backpressure regulator communicating with thepipe to maintain fluid pressure within the pipe and about the probes ata pressure at least equal to the pressure of the source of the fluid toprevent boiling of the fluid within the pipe.
 8. An apparatus foridentifying and measuring a volume fraction constituent of a fluid,comprising: a source of fluid communicating with a pipe defining amedial channel to provide fluid moving therethrough at a velocity, thefluid having a volume fraction constituent and wherein the volumefraction constituent has a previously calculated and known dielectricconstant and previously calculated and known resonance points andwherein information about the previously calculated, and knowndielectric constant and previously calculated and known resonance pointsof the volume fraction constituent is stored in and is accessible from adatabase; a first probe exposed at least in part to the fluid movingthrough the pipe, the first probe having a known length; a second probeexposed at least in part to the fluid moving through the pipe a knowndistance downstream of the first probe, the second probe having a knownlength; a backpressure regulator communicating with the medial channeldefined by the pipe to maintain fluid pressure about the first andsecond probes at a pressure at least equal to the pressure of the sourceof the fluid to prevent boiling of the fluid within the medial channel;an electrical pulse emitter which electronically generates apredetermined electrical pulse which is delivered to the first probe,and the pulse travels along and through the first probe and generates anelectrical pulse reflection; an electrical pulse sampler whichelectronically communicates with the first probe and which furtherreceives and senses the electrical pulse reflection generated byelectrical pulse within the first probe; an electrical pulse emitterwhich electronically generates a predetermined electrical pulse which isdelivered to the second probe, and the pulse travels along and throughthe second probe and generates an electrical pulse reflection; anelectrical pulse sampler which electronically communicates with thesecond probe and which further receives and senses the electrical pulsereflection generated by electrical pulse within the second probe; acomputer electrically coupled with the first probe, the electrical pulseemitter, the electrical pulse sampler, and the database, and wherein thecomputer determines a time period between the electrical pulse emissioninto the first probe, and the receipt of the sensed electrical pulsereflection from the first probe, and wherein resonance points of thevolume fraction constituent are calculated by the computer from thedetermined time period, and wherein the computer further correlates thedetermined time period to the previously calculated, and knowndielectric constant and the previously calculated and known resonancepoints of the volume fraction constituent as provided in the database soas to identify the volume fraction constituent in the fluid; a computerelectrically coupled with the second probe, the electrical pulseemitter, the electrical pulse sampler, and the database, and wherein thecomputer determines a time period between the electrical pulse emissioninto the second probe, and the receipt of the sensed electrical pulsereflection from the second probe, and wherein the resonance points ofthe volume fraction constituent are calculated by the computer from thedetermined time period, and wherein the computer further correlates thedetermined time period to the previously calculated, and knowndielectric constant and the previously calculated and known resonancepoints of the volume fraction constituent as provided in the database soas to identify the volume fraction constituent in the fluid; a firstoutput generated by the first probe when a volume fraction constituentis sensed by the first probe, and a second output generated by thesecond probe when the same volume fraction constituent is sensed by thesecond probe, and wherein the first and second probe outputs arecommunicated to the computer; the computer determines a time differencebetween the first probe output and the second probe output and uses thedetermined time difference between the first probe output and the secondprobe output to determine the velocity of the volume fractionconstituent within the medial channel defined by the pipe and bycorrelating the determined velocity with a known total volume of fluidmoving through the pipe a volume of the volume fraction constituent byamount of time is determined; and a user interface electrically coupledwith the computer and which receives the identification of the volumefraction constituent and the first probe output and the second probeoutput, and which further generates a user perceivable output whichidentifies the volume fraction constituent in the fluid and the volumeof the volume fraction constituent moving through the pipe.